Pacing profiles of master athletes according to their predicted finishing time

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the ability of recreational master runners to accurately maintain their pre-race target time and compare pacing and perceived exertion (RPE) of different groups of athletes according to how close they were to their predicted time. One hundred and seventy half marathoners (n = 135 males; 45 ± 6.6 yrs and n = 35 females; 41.1 ± 6 years) were divided in three groups (slower [SL; n = 52], target [TAR; n = 57] and faster [FA; n = 61]) based on the difference between final time and predicted time (OBJ). Time splits and RPE were collected every 7 km. The Hazard Score (HS) was calculated by multiplying the momentary RPE by the remaining fraction of the race. Differences between and within groups was calculated by using a separate mixed ANOVAs for repeated measures. SL group started at target pace thereafter decreased speed significantly. TAR started faster and significantly decreased speed at km 14. FA group started faster than OBJ with no difference in splits. RPE and HS showed no differences between groups. Results of the present study demonstrate different pacing strategies between FA, TAR and SL master runners, in comparison to OBJ despite no differences in RPE or HS.